From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
A special team of Mobile Policemen (PMF) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) operatives deployed by the Inspector- General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun to Opu- Nembe , Nembe Local Government of Bayelsa State has arrested five armed youths and recover arms and ammunition during a sting operation over the weekend at suspected criminal hideouts in the community.
The Police action was in response to several petitions by concerned people of the community following activities of armed youths bordering on heinous crimes.
Investigations revealed that the Police team with other security agencies were initially resisted by armed youths from gaining entrance into the community but the superior firepower of the tactical team subdued them forcing many of them to flee.
Sources in the community stated that the Police team raided suspected hideouts of the armed youths arresting five of the boys while also recovering arms and ammunition.
A statement by the Bayelsa Police Command through its spokesman, Asinim Butswat confirmed the sting operation, recovery of arms and on-going investigation
“The sting operation was conducted professionally, based on the standard operating procedure of the Nigeria Police Force. No life was lost. Members of the community are urged to go about their lawful and legitimate businesses as the Police would not harass or intimidate any law-abiding citizen.”
The action of the IGP has received commendation by the Concerned Citizens of Opu-Membe who are urging the Police to remain in the community so as to sustain the peace.
In a press conference addressed on Sunday by Chief Kienghosuote Degi, the people applauded the deployment of the Police team to salvage the community and return it to normalcy.
Chief Degi recalled the press conference convened in July where they appealed to the IGP to intervene and save the people of the community from armed youths.
He said the prompt response of the IGP demonstrates his readiness to curtail crime and criminality, and protect the people.
Chief Degi urged those that had been forced to leave the community to return home and carried out their legitimate duties as peace had been restored by the IGP.
“We, the Concerned Citizens of Opu-Nembe (Bassambiri) Community wish to warmly Appreciate and Commend the effort of of the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force for their quick response to our plea for peace in Opu-Nembe (Bassambiri) community.
“For, the Security Agents’ action to arrest those hoodlums and cult boys terrorizing our dear kingdom is further demonstration of its readiness to give justice and the desired peace and security, as sacrosanct duty of the security agents in the country.
“We believe strongly that, this action taken will definitely serve as a deterrent to any other barbaric and unsavoury acts of intimidation and harassment, killing, raping and looting, as well as, destruction of houses and property belonging to innocent and law-abiding citizens of Opu-Nembe (Bassambiri) Community.
Chief Degi expressed optimism that all fleeing armed youths from the community would be apprehended by the Police .